Horse stables and track riding safety (West Australia edition) · horse stables and track riding safety West australia edition ... The horse racing industry is unique in that it possesses

SAFEWORK

horse stables and track riding safetyWest australia editionMAY 2009

GOVERNMENT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Consulting employees and Health

and Safety Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

How to use this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

stable safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1 . Stable staff and contractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2 . Hazardous manual handling

in the stable environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

3 . Using plant in the stable environment . . . . . . . . 11

4 . General stable OH&S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

track riding safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

5 . Track security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

6 . Track riding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

further information and guidance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

contents

The information presented in the Horse Stables and Track Riding Safety guide is intended for general use only. It should not be viewed as a definitive guide to the law, and should be read in conjunction with the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the publication, the advice contained herein may not apply in every circumstance. Accordingly, the WorkSafe WA cannot be held responsible, and extends no warranties as to:

• the suitability of the information for any particular purpose;

• actions taken by third parties as a result of information contained in Horse Stables and Track Riding Safety.

The information in this publication is reproduced with the permission of WorkSafe Victoria. WorkSafe WA acknowledges the assistance of Racing and Wagering Western Australia in modification of materials into a WA context.

This publication is available on request in other formats to assist people with special needs.

HORSE STABLES AND TRACK RIDING SAFETY 1

Horse Stables and Track Riding Safety is provided in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (OSH Act) to assist employers and employees to comply with their duties and obligations under this Act and associated Regulations.

It is expected that stable and training facility management, employees (staff), Safety and Health Representatives (OSH reps) and contractors use this guide to form an opinion about suitable health, safety and welfare risk controls under the test of ‘reasonably practicable’.

CONSULTING EMPLOYEES AND HEALTH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVESThe horse racing industry is unique in that it possesses a variation of hazards not generally present in any other workplace. The unpredictable nature of a large animal which at times may overreact or become easily spooked, poses a challenge for the whole industry, as it presents both handling issues for horse and person in confined spaces.

The horse racing industry shares many OSH issues common in other workplaces, e.g. chemicals, manual handling and use of plant. The risks associated with these hazards are somewhat predictable, which allows for the development of adequate controls.

Consultation between employees (e.g. jockeys, track riders, stable hands or strappers), safety and health representative, contractors and employers (e.g. trainers) is crucial in identifying, assessing, reducing and eliminating hazards in the workplace. Adopting consultative processes results in the establishment of effective risk control measures, thus providing a safer workplace for all people, and by extension ensuring compliance with the relevant parts and sections of the OSH Act.

Principles of consultationParties should agree to effective consultation mechanisms keeping in mind the following principles:

• Informationsharing

• Employees,contractorsandstaffareencouragedtoexpresstheirpointofview

• Employees,contractorsandstaffshouldnotbevictimisedordisadvantagedforexpressing a view

• Allpeopletobegivenanopportunitytoexpressaviewpriortodecisions being made

• Considerationisgiventoviewsexpressedbyemployees,contractorsandstaffprior to decision making

• Wherepractical,workersaffectedbychangetobeconsulted

• Consultationmaynotnecessarilyleadtoagreedoutcomes,butthisshouldbethe ultimate goal.

INTRODUCTION

2 HORSE STABLES AND TRACK RIDING SAFETY

Effective consultation To establish effective consultation, parties need to develop a clear workplace policy on consultation. This may include:

• Safetycommittees/safetymeetings

• Issueresolutionprocess

• Incidentinvestigation

• Hazardandriskidentificationandcontrol

• Allchangestotheworkplaceincludingfacilities

• Contractormanagementprovisions.

TheAustralianTrainersAssociation,AustralianWorkers’Union,RacingandWageringWAcanassistinfacilitatingtheabove.

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDEThis guide provides information that can be used to decide the most effective solutions for providing safe stables and training facilities.

The tasks described in the following pages are presented in two columns.

Workpracticesundertakeninthestableenvironmentoratatrainingfacilitywhichare deemed to be unacceptable under occupational health and safety legislation appear in the red column. To avoid exposing employees and contractors to risk of injury or illness, the practices described in these columns must not be allowed to occur.

Common risk control solutions to prevent exposing employees or contactors to unacceptable work practices appear in the green column. These solutions are regarded as ‘reasonably practicable’ for most stables and training facilities where track work is undertaken and therefore would be expected to be implemented when required. That said, the risk controls listed in the green column are not exhaustive and where alternative risk controls are identified, these should be implemented.

The OSH Act outlines what you must consider when determining if something is ‘reasonably practicable’. Specifically, the factors to be taken into account are:

• thelikelihoodofthehazardorriskeventuating

• thedegreeofharmthatwouldresultifthehazardorriskeventuated

• whatyouknow,oroughtreasonablytoknow,aboutthehazardorriskandanyways of eliminating or reducing the hazard or risk

• theavailabilityandsuitabilityofwaystoeliminateorreducethehazardorrisk

• thecostofeliminatingorreducingthehazardorrisk,ifthecostisgrosslydisproportionate to the hazard or risk.

It is important all factors listed above have to be taken into account when deciding if something is ‘reasonably practicable’. No single factor is more important than another – they all contribute equally.

UNACCEPTABLE WORK PRACTICE

RISK CONTROL SOLUTIONS

Workpracticesintheredcolumnshould not be used in a stable environment or at a training facility (e.g. race track). Stable or training facility managers who allow these work practices to be used are likely to be in breach of OSH legislation.

The solutions in the green column are the most effective at reducing risk and should be the target for all stables and training facilities.

INTRODUCTION


STABLE SAFETY

1. STABLE STAFF AND CONTRACTORS

2. HAZARDOUS MANUAL HANDLING IN THE STABLE ENVIRONMENT

3. USING PLANT IN THE STABLE ENVIRONMENT

4. GENERAL STABLE OSH


1. STABLE STAFF AND CONTRACTORSStable staff (full time, part time, casual or family members) and contractors (veterinarians, trades people, suppliers, etc.) must be provided with the highest level of occupational health and safety protection.

This section describes the basic health and safety requirements which should be taken into account when employing staff and/orcontractors,suchasstablehandsortrackriders,inastableenvironment.

UNACCEPTABLE WORK PRACTICE RISK CONTROL SOLUTIONS

Personal Protective Equipment

- No appropriatePersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE)providedand/orusedwhererequiredwhen:

• ridinghorses

• traininghorses

• feedingandworkingwithhorses

• cleaningstables

• usingitemsofplant,or

• handlinghazardousordangerouschemicals.

- No training provided in the correct selection, use and careofPPE.

-Employersmust ensure staff are equipped with and use allnecessaryPPE.

- Training is provided in the correct selection, inspection forwearordamage,useandcareofPPEsuchas:

• handprotection

• noiseprotection

• respiratoryprotection

• helmets,bodyprotectorsandotherridinggear

• weatherprotection,and

• feetprotection(e.g.leatherworkbootsorshoesthatcomply with Australian Standards 2210.3 Occupational protective footwear).

Facilities and amenities

- No suitable toilets or meal areas provided.

- Facilities such as:

• tackroom

• firstaidroom

• toilets

• mealareas,and

• showers

are not maintained in a clean and serviceable condition.

- Adequate toilets and meal areas provided.

- Facilities and amenities are functional, clean and well maintained.

A basic tea room which is clean, well maintained and functional for the number of staff employed.

Tack room is clean and well organised. Riding gear is appropriately stored and maintained.

STABLE SAFETY

Only sufficient, quality sleep cures fatigue!



Stable inductions

- No formal induction is provided to new staff or contractors.

- Staff capabilities are not assessed and recorded. Stable handsarenotlicensedwithRWWAandtraineesandapprentices are not constantly supervised.

- New staff and contractor inductions are formally undertaken.

- Staff capabilities are assessed by the employer and a training plan is developed and agreed to by both parties. StablehandsarelicensedwithRWWAandtraineesandapprentices are under constant supervision. To avoid doubt, constant supervision means maintaining control over the tasks undertaken by trainees.

- Stable hands have suitable training and are encouraged to undertake:

• CertificateIIRacing(stablehand),or

• CertificateIII(advancedstablehand).

(RWWAcanassistwithformaltrainingarrangements)

Workplace bullying and violence

-Employeesorcontractorsaresubjectedorexposed to repeated, unreasonable behaviour that creates a risk totheirhealthandsafety.Unreasonablebehaviourisregarded as behaviour that a reasonable person, having regard to all the circumstances, would expect to victimise, humiliate, undermine or threaten a staff member or contractor.

- Staff or contractors are subjected or exposed to behaviourthatinvolvesphysicaland/orverbalattacks or are threatened with physical attack in the workplace.

-Employerseliminateorreducethelikelihoodofbullying or violent behaviour occurring, by ensuring that they:

• promotebullyingandviolenceawareness

• developabullyingandviolencepolicy

• inform,instructandtraininlinewiththepolicy

• identifybullyingandviolenceriskfactors

• preventandcontrolactsofbullyingorviolence,and

• encouragereportingofbullyingorviolentbehaviour.

For further information regarding workplace bullying and violence,refertoWACommissionforOccupationalSafetyand Health

•GuidanceNote-Dealing with bullying at work

•CodeofPractice-Violence aggression and bullying at work

STABLE SAFETY


STABLE SAFETY


Drugs and alcohol in the workplace

-Employersallow,promoteorfailtoactoninformationconcerningtheuseofalcoholand/ordrugs(illicit)intheworkplace, where it creates a risk or potential risk to the health, safety or welfare of staff, contractors or the general public.

- A policy concerning the use of alcohol in the workplace has been developed and all people are made aware of it. This policy should include information concerning alcohol:

• prevention• education• counselling• rehabilitation,and• useonemployerapproval, where and when alcohol

consumption may be used in the workplace (e.g. after hours, parties, celebrations, etc.)

The overall objective of an alcohol policy is to ensure exposure to alcohol related occupational health and safety risk is eliminated.

For further information:

• WACommissionforOccupationalSafetyandHealthguidance note Alcohol and other drugs at the workplace

• Australian and local rules of racing (RWWA)

Illicit drug use is strictly prohibited. This is clearly communicated and documented in workplace inductions.

Employeesorcontractorssuspectedorfoundtobeusingand/orundertheinfluenceofalcoholorillicitsubstances in the workplace should:

• beprovidedwithappropriate counselling in the first instance, and

• enacttheworkplacedisciplinarypolicy,where reasonable repeated attempts to council the individual concerned have failed.

Fatigue

- Stable hands, track riders and other staff are subjected to frequent

• longworkingdays

• veryearlystarts,withoutappropriatebreaks

• inadequatemealorrestbreaks,or

• overlydemandingworkingenvironments(e.g.wherework demands are considered significantly greater then would be normally expected)

resulting in exposure to fatigue related risks to employee and contractor health and safety.

- Stable employers and people in control of the workplace ensure staff and contractors are not exposed to frequent

• longworkingdays• veryearlystartswithoutappropriatebreaks• inadequatemealorrestbreaks,or

• overlydemandingworkingenvironments

by eliminating in the first instance the frequent occurrence of such events.

To avoid or reduce exposing people to workplace related fatigue, employers and people in control of the workplace should provide:

• realistic task requests and adequate resources to complete tasks safely. This is best achieved through consulting before assigning work

• adequatemealandrestbreakswhileonshift• adequatetimebetweenshiftsthatenabletheopportunity

for at least 7-8 hours sleep, and• sufficienttimeoffshifttorecoverafteraperiodof

continuous working days.

ForfurtherinformationrefertotheWACommissionforOccupational Safety and Health code of practice Working hours.


STABLE SAFETY


Injury registers

-Stableinjuryand/orincidentsarenot recorded and investigated by stable management. This includes ‘near miss’ incidents.

- All stable injury and incidents are recorded manually in an injury register booklet or electronically.

- Stable hands, track riders, OSH reps, and other staff and contractors participate in investigations (as required) to prevent reoccurrence and are advised of investigation outcomes by stable management.

Notification of incidents to WorkSafe Western Australia

-IncidentswhichmustbereportedtoWorkSafeWAimmediately by law are not reported by stable management. This would include:

• thelossoflife

• seriousinjuriessuchasfractures,spinalandneckinjuries

• amputations

• lossofsightand

•infectousdiseases

- For further detailed information regarding notification of incidentsbylawtoWorkSafe,refertoWorkSafe’spublication About WorkSafe or the website www.worksafe.wa.gov.au or contact 1800 678 198


2. HAZARDOUS MANUAL HANDLING IN THE STABLE ENVIRONMENTTasks such as storing, preparing and feeding horses, cleaning, working with horses, handling horse gear such as saddles, and general maintenance activities typically occur in a stable environment.

These tasks can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), such as injuries, illnesses or diseases that arise in whole or in part from hazardous manual handling tasks in the stable, whether occurring suddenly or over a long period of time.

MSD’s include:

• musclesprainsandstrains

• injuriestomuscles,ligaments,spinaldiscsandotherpartsoftheback

• injuriestosofttissues,e.g.nerves,ligamentsandtendonsinthewrists,arms,shoulders,neckorlegs,and

• abdominalhernias.

It is important to note that not all manual handling in the stable environment will be hazardous.

This section describes common solutions which can be used in and around the stable to eliminate or reduce the chances of developing MSD’s from exposure to hazardous manual handling.

STABLE SAFETY


-Employershavenotidentified in consultation, tasks that could expose employees or contractors to hazardous manual handling.

-Staffand/orcontactorsundertaketaskswhichinvolveexposure to any of the following hazardous manual handling characteristics:

• Handlinghorsesinsuchamannerthatexposesthehandler to hazardous manual handling

• repetitiveorsustainedapplicationofforce,awkwardpostures or sustained movements

• applicationofhighforce

• sustainedvibration,and

• unstableorunbalancedloadsorloadsthataredifficultto grasp or hold.

- Staff or contractors exposed to hazardous manual handling from handling bags of feed. This may be due to:

• physicallyhandlingfeedbagsupto40kgormore

• thepositionofthebag,e.g.flatonthefloor

• movementsrequiredtohandlethebag,e.g.forwardbending and reaching because the bag is behind different bags, or

• thedurationandfrequencyofthetask,e.g.theamount of bags handled by the one employee over the shift.

-Employershaveidentified, with consultation, all tasks which could expose employees or contractors to hazardous manual handling.

-Employers,whendetermining any measure to control risk of MSD’s, addressed the following factors:

• postures

• movements

• forces

• durationandfrequencyoftask,and

• environmentalconditions(e.g.heat,cold,vibration).

-Employers,afterconsultation,implement and periodically review controls to eliminate or reduce the risk of employees or contractors developing MSD’s by:

a. altering the workplace environment, design, layout or systems of work to do the task (e.g. improving lighting, housekeeping, rescheduling physically demanding tasks during temperature extremes).

Workplace design – Silos are commonly used to store high volume feed stock instead of handling large numbers of bags.


STABLE SAFETY


Physically handling heavy bags of feed up to 40kg. Silo is connected directly to the feed preparation area.

Feed is drawn on from the hopper bins as required eliminating the need to manually handle large, bulky and awkward bags.

b. Change the systems of work used, such as job design (e.g. work positions), team handling (e.g. using two or more persons in lifting tasks), pace and flow of work (e.g. realistic work rates), job rotation or durations of work.

c.Modifytheloadbeinghandledand/orchanging objects used in the task (e.g. changing the wheels on a trolley to better travel over rough terrain).

This feed trolley has wheels which allow the trolley to be used over rough terrain in and around the stable.


STABLE SAFETY


d. use mechanical aids.

Purpose built trolleys for use around the stable significantly reduces the need to physically manage heavy, bulky or awkward loads.

Purpose built trolleys for use around the stable significantly reduces the need to physically manage heavy, bulky or awkward loads.

e. Any combination of (a) to (d).

Refer to Commission for Occupational Safety and Health Code of Practice for Manual Handling, for further details regarding hazardous manual handling and suitable risk control measures.


STABLE SAFETY

3. USING PLANT IN THE STABLE ENVIRONMENTThe use of plant, such as oat crushers, augers, mixers, horse walkers and horse transport is commonly present in the stable environment. The extent of exposure to hazards associated with using such plant in the stable environment will depend on:

• thelevelofroutineinspectionsandpreventativemaintenance

• howeffectivelymovingpartsorareaswherestaffarepotentiallyexposedtohazardshavebeenappropriately guarded or isolated

• thetrainingandinstructionprovidedonthesafeuseofplant,and

• priorconsultationwithOSHrepsandstaffregardingthepurchaseandinstallationofplantforuseinstables.

This section highlights the types of common risk associated with plant used in stables and the types of controls which can be easily implemented.


Oat crushers, augers, mixers and horse walkers

- Oat crushers, mixers, augers and horse walkers are not regularly maintained to ensure their safe operation.

- Training and instruction on the safe use of oat crushers, mixers, augers and horse walkers has not been provided to staff required to use such plant.

- Oat crushers, mixers, augers and horse walkers have one or more of the following exposed hazards:

• ‘drawin’pointssuchasVbeltsandpulleysorrotatingdrive shafts

• shearorcrushingpointssuchasrotatingbladesorcrushing blocks

• entanglementareassuchasspiralaugers,mixershafts or electric motor drive belts or shafts, or

• otherpointsofelectrical,pneumatic(pressurised) or mechanical exposure that could result in harm or death.

- Oat crushers, mixers, auger and horse walkers are regularly maintained to ensure:

• safeoperation

• plantisclean,and

• safetycontrols,suchasfixedor‘interlocked’guards, are in place and operational.

‘Interlocks’ are generally electrical devices (commonly switches) connected to plant operational systems that prevent or stop the plant from operating until the guard associated with the ‘interlock’ is in the closed position. Interlocked guards are typically used on plant where routine access is required (e.g. the lid of most domestic washing machines).

- Documented instruction and training has been provided to staff required to operate oat crushers, mixers, augers and horse walkers.

- Risk associated with oat crushers, mixers, augers and horse walkers have been identified, in consultation with staff and most importantly controlled.

- Emergency stop buttons are appropriately fitted.

- All plant is powered from an electrical outlet fitted with a Residual Current Device (RCD).

RefertoWorkSafeWA’swebsiteforfurtherinformationon plant hazards and guarding.

www.worksafe.wa.gov.au


STABLE SAFETY


Oat crushers, augers, mixers and horse walkers (continued)

Hazards associated with the use of oat crushers and augers must be controlled.

Exposed drive belts and pulleys must be guarded. As regular access is not required to this part of the machine, fixed guards should be used. Guards must be designed so that access by any body part can not be made with the hazard.

Spiral rotating augers must be physically guarded. Guards should be either fixed in place or ‘interlocked’ if routine access is required.


STABLE SAFETY


Oat crushers, augers, mixers and horse walkers (continued)

Horse walker controls are located in close proximity to gate and fitted with an emergency stop button.

Horse walker drive motors, shafts or belts must be guarded.


STABLE SAFETY


Horse transport

- Horse transport not registered and un-roadworthy.

- Horse transport not regularly maintained to ensure safe operation.

- Horse transport ramps are:

• steeplypitched

• poorlydesignedormaintained (e.g. hydraulic or mechanical lifting systems), and

• notprovided,exposingstafftohazardousmanualhandlingand/orslip,tripsandfallswhilstloadingandunloading horses.

- Training and instruction on the safe use of horse transport has not been provided to staff required to load and unload horses.

- Loading and unloading of horse transport requires unsafe access to the vehicle, exposing staff to entrapment and crushing risks by the horse. This is particularly the case where a horse is spooked, sick or in a distressed state.

- Horse transport registered by Department for Planning and Infrastructure and roadworthy.

- Horse transport regularly maintained to ensure safe operation.

Horse transport trailer couplings, powered brakes (hydraulic or mechanical), safety chains, electrical couplings etc. should be regularly inspected and maintained.

- Ramps are designed to provide ease of access in and out of the transport vehicle, without the need to use hazardous manual handling and with no trip or slip hazards.

- Heavy ramps (e.g. those requiring a hydraulic or mechanical raising and lowering device) must have ‘fail to safe’ design features to ensure that in the event of hydraulic or mechanical failure, ramps do not fall in an uncontrolled manner.


STABLE SAFETY


Horse transport (continued)

Ramps are designed to allow safe access and egress without exposing staff to slip, trips and falls risks. This ramp is set low to the ground with no side obstructions to create tripping hazards. Where large, heavy and/or awkward ramps are provided, suitable mechanical or hydraulic lowering and raising mechanisms should be provided (including ‘fail to safe’ design features).

- Training and instruction on the safe use of horse transport is provided to all staff required to use them.

-Horsetransportisdesignedtoallowsafeaccess/egress while loading or unloading horses.

This vehicle is designed to allow for improved safe loading, unloading and maintenance of horses without being exposed to significant entrapment or crushing hazards by the horse. Safe access to the entire length of a horse can be made with this design.


STABLE SAFETY

4. GENERAL STABLE OSH A variety of other important OSH considerations should be taken into account as part of the broader risk control plan for a stable environment. Left unchecked, the items covered in this section could contribute or ultimately be responsible for workplace injury, illness or death.


Design, layout and housekeeping

-Stablesarepoorlydesignedand/orlaidoutexposing staffandcontractorstoriskofinjuryand/orillness.Examplesincludes;

• roughandirregularflooringwhichisdifficulttoclean or move around on (e.g. pot holed and grossly uneven)

• stablesaccess/egressexposesstaffandcontractors to horse traffic management risk

• stableworkingtemperatureseitherveryhotorcold

• insufficientfacilitiesavailabletosafelyaccommodatethe maximum number of horses typically housed, and

• qualitylightingsuitableforstabletasks/activitiesis not provided.

- Stables are not appropriately maintained and a lack of regular housekeeping exposes staff and contractors to riskofinjury,illnessordisease.Examplesinclude;

• generalstablehygieneisgrosslyinadequate (e.g. boxes housing horses are not cleaned and refreshed daily)

• equipment,gearandgeneralrubbishleftlyingaroundexposing staff and contractors to slip, trip and fall hazards;and

• regularmaintenancetorepairdamagetostableareasnot routinely undertaken (e.g. damaged lining boards orrailsinboxes/yardareas).

- Stables have been designed and laid out to safely accommodate the maximum number of horses housed. UndertheOSH Act, those who design buildings (stables) or structures (e.g. silos) must ensure they are designed to appropriate specifications (including relevant Australian Standards) and are safe for the intended purpose.

If you are designing or building a new stable or structure, please refer to WA Commission Code of Practice Safe design of buildings and structures.

- Suitable, quality lighting (natural or otherwise) is available for completing tasks.

- Dust is reduced or eliminated by sprinklers or other control measures

- House keeping, stable hygiene and general maintenance is regularly undertaken to ensure a safe working environment for employees and contractors.

Stable areas are clean, hygienic, well lit and designed to provide a safe working environment for employees and contractors.


STABLE SAFETY


Design, layout and housekeeping (continued)

Stable boxes are hygienic, regularly cleaned and any damage promptly repaired.

Stable yards are well laid out, tidy and maintained regularly to avoid risk of injuries due to slips, trips and falls.

Electrical safety

-Electricalsafetyacrossthestableenvironmentisgrosslyinadequate, exposing staff and contractors to the risk of electrocution or electrical fires. For example:

• damagedelectricalleadsinuse

• inadequatenumberandlocationofpoweroutletsresulting in overloading of existing power points

• lengthyleadsusedinpreferencetofixedwiring

• brokenlightfittings

• notestingandtaggingofportableleads,and

• exposedelectricalcircuitsorwiring.

-Electricalsafetyisadequatelyaddressedacrossthe stableenvironment.Forexample;

• ResidualCurrentDevice(safetyswitches)arehard wired into all electrical switch boards and tested WA Commission for Occupational Safety and Health Guidance Note Electricity: Residual Current Devices www.worksafe.wa.gov.au


STABLE SAFETY


Electrical safety (continued)

Portable power leads permanently used instead of fixed wiring.

Damaged power leads which have not been inspected and tagged are used.

Residual Current Device (safety switches) hard wired into all electrical switch boards.

• portablepowerleadsareonlyusedforshortterm work and are tested every 6 months for damage by a competant person

• allpermanentelectricalcircuitsandwiringconform to Australian Standards 3000 – Australian Wiring Rules (consult a qualified ‘A’ grade electrician) and,

• anappropriatenumberofpoweroutletsarewell located and provided.

Stable security

-Nostableperimeterfencingorpartial/inadequatefencingprovided only. Likely risk of horses escaping onto adjoining properties or public roads.

-Access/egresspointstoandwithinthestableandassociated property not adequately controlled with appropriate gates.

- Open water, such as horse swimming ponds, in close proximity to the stable environment are not appropriately fenced and secured.

- The entire stable environment is adequately fenced, eliminating the risk of horses escaping onto adjoining properties or public roads.

Stable perimeter and internal fencing suitable for containing horses.


STABLE SAFETY


Stable security (continued)

Stable perimeter and internal fencing suitable for containing horses.

-Access/egresspointstoandwithinthestableandassociated areas are adequately controlled with suitable gates.

Gates on all access/egress points suitable for containing horses.

- Open water pools within close proximity to the stable have suitable perimeter fencing and gates.

This horse swimming pond has appropriate perimeter fencing and gate.


STABLE SAFETY


Handling horses

- Leading a horse with a headstall and bit that is not attached to a lead.

- Riding a horse bare back.

- Open foot wear worn when working with or around horses.

-Inexperiencedhandlers;leadingmorethanonehorseatatime.

-Whilebeingled,everyhorsemusthaveaheadstalland bit in its mouth, with the bit attached to a lead.

-Whilebeingridden,everyhorsemustbeproperlybridledand saddled.

- All those working with or around horses must wear fully enclosed, durable footwear

-Ensureasafedistanceismaintainedfromotherhorseswhile riding (track work) or when leading a horse.

Please refer to Track Riding Gear and Horse Riding Gear under Track Riding section in this guide for further information concerning handling horses.

First aid

- No ‘first response’ first aid facilities available (including first aid kits) suitable for the needs of the stable.

- No appropriately qualified first aiders available to administer ‘first response’ first aid.

- Stable management have processes in place to ensure the following:

• theselection,provisionandmaintenanceofan appropriate number of well stocked and located first aid kits and

• anappropriatenumberofqualifiedfirstaiders available to meet the needs of the stable environment. However, it is recommended that at least one qualified first aider should be available at all times during stable operation.

This stable has a suitably stocked and maintained ‘first response’ first aid kit. The kit is well located in the stable environment and highly visible.


STABLE SAFETY


Dangerous goods and hazardous substances (chemicals)

- Chemicals are stored haphazardly across the stable.

- Chemicals are decanted into unmarked containers.

- Staff and contractors are not aware of the hazards associated with chemicals used in the stable environment and have had no appropriate training in using them safely.

- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals used in the stable are not available to staff or contractors.

-PPE(e.g.gloves,facemasksorrespirators)andprotective clothing such as disposable overalls are not available or maintained as identified by the MSDS for the various chemicals used across the stable environment.

- Chemicals to be used in the stable environment are assessed for adverse health effects prior to being purchased. Safer chemicals are used over more hazardous types (e.g. water based chemicals are used in preference to chemicals based on solvents).

- Chemicals must be safely stored and secured in accordance with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) requirements. It is highly recommended that you consult with your chemical supplier as to how to safely store and handle chemicals used within the stable environment. An MSDS will include important information on the health effects, storage, safe use, cleaning spills and more.

- Chemicals decanted into other containers are clearly labelled.Emptyfoodorbeveragecontainersarenever used to store decanted chemicals.

- Staff and contractors who use or could be expected to use chemicals have been trained and are aware of the associated hazards. Staff and contractors have access to chemical MSDS.

-StaffandcontractorshaveaccesstoPPE,knowhow to use it and care for it (e.g. storage and maintenance).

-Employees,contractorsandfirstaidersknowwhatto do in the event of accidental consumption, spill, contamination or other chemical emergency.


STABLE SAFETY


Fire protection and emergency evacuation plans

- Suitable fire fighting equipment unavailable for the stable environment or not able to be readily accessed (e.g. horse feed is stacked in front of fire extinguisher).

- Fire fighting equipment is poorly maintained (e.g. extinguishers are out of date).

- No emergency evacuation plan for the stable.

- No regular emergency evacuation training for staff and contactors against an emergency evacuation plan.

- An up-to-date fire and emergency evacuation plan has been developed and a written copy clearly displayed in the stable environment. Staff and contractors regularly undergo training drills.

- Fire fighting equipment is provided and maintained at six monthly intervals in accordance with Australian Standards 1851 (consult your local fire authority or fire fighting equipment supplier for advice).

- A minimum one metre ‘clear zone’ is provided around all fire fighting equipment.

Fire fighting equipment must be adequately provided for in the stable environment and easily accessible at all times.


TRACK RIDING SAFETY

5. TRACK SECURITY

6. TRACK RIDING


TRACK RIDING SAFETY

5. TRACK SECURITYTraining facilities must be secure. Hazards such as loose horses escaping onto adjoining properties or roads, animals such as dogs, kangaroos or cattle roaming onto training facilities and unauthorised access by the public must be adequately controlled.


Perimeter fencing

- No perimeter fencing or minimal fencing provided only. - Fencing suitable to retain a horse erected around the entire training facility ie tracks, stabling and stall areas, wash bays.

Full perimeter fencing erected around the training facility that is high enough to contain horses.

Access and egress

-Uncontrolledaccessandegresspoints.

-Gatesorsuitablebarriersnotusedtosecureaccess and egress points.

- Access and egress to training facilities limited to one point only (if possible).

- Barriers help to entrap a loose horse coming from the track. Most effective when:

• positionedbetweenthe‘gap’andthemainentrance to the track riding area:

• themainentranceandthe‘gap’areinlineofsight:

• positionedclosertothemainentrancethenthegapitself, and

• theareabetweenthe‘gap’andthemainentranceisreduced as much as possible.


TRACK RIDING SAFETY


Access and egress (continued)

Safe access point, Lark Hill WA

Safe egress point, Lark Hill WA


TRACK RIDING SAFETY

6. TRACK RIDINGThere are various hazards involved in track riding. These hazards increase significantly when riding in dark, cold or hot, foggyand/oricy/wetconditions.Thissectionhighlightsthemostcommonhazardstrackridersmaybeexposedtoand the types of controls readily available to make this activity as safe as it can reasonably be.


Track riding conditions

- Training facility management do not have a restricted track riding policy which clearly details:

• thecircumstancesunderwhichtrackridingrestrictionsapply eg thunder and lightening

• thetypesoftrackworkreasonably permissible under those conditions.

- Track riding undertaken when track supervision does not have a minimum 75% visibility of the entire track proper.

- Training facility management have a restricted track riding policy which clearly details:

• thecircumstancesunderwhichtrackridingrestrictionsapply eg thunder and lightening, and

• thetypesoftrackworkreasonably permissible under those conditions.

In determining reasonably permissible track work the following factors should be taken into account:

• tracksurfacestobeused(e.g.grassorsand)

• speedoftrackwork

• experienceoftrainer,riderand/orhorse,and

• thenumberofhorsesusingthetrackatanygiventime.

- Training facility management are responsible for enforcing track riding restrictions when required.

- Trainers are responsible to ensure that track supervision has a minimum 75% visibility of the entire track proper.

Track lighting

- Track riding completed:

• indarknesswithoutqualitylighting which illuminates the entire track proper

• withlightingonlyprovidedatthegap,and/or

• withsignificant shadows or blind sections on the track.

- Track riding is performed in daylight hours only.

-Wheretrackridingisundertakenindarkness,qualitylighting available to ensure:

• illuminationofthetrackandstallsarea

• clearvisibilityatall positions along the track, particularly access and egress points and

• shadowsfromlightingontrackareminimised.


TRACK RIDING SAFETY


Track riding gear

- Track work undertaken withoutRWWAapprovedhelmet and body protector.

- Helmet is damaged or older than five years.

- Helmet continued to be used after sustaining an impact fromafallorafterasevereimpactingeneraland/orthewearer suffers from concussion following a fall.

Riding helmet - damaged and well over five years old.

-HelmetsandbodyprotectorstoRWWAstandard.Helmets no older then five years from the date of manufacture.

• BodyProtectorStandards

- ARB or Satra

Body protector – no damage or excessive wear.


TRACK RIDING SAFETY


Track riding gear (continued)

- Body vest is damaged or heavily worn.

Body protector – damaged with excessive wear.

• HelmetsStandard

-AS/NZS3838.2003

-US,ASTMF116301

-BSEN1384/1997

- Helmets must be in good condition and not older then five years. The helmet manufacture date must be visible as proof of age.

- Training facility management should have in place methodologies for ensuring all track riders are using vests, helmets and riding boots.

HIGHVISIBILITY

Whenmountedonahorse,colouredhighvisibilityvestwithreflective strip is worn

SAFETYLIGHTING

Whenridingindarkness,asafetywarninglightorlightswhich are clearly visible from both the right and left hand sides are fixed to the skull cap

Horse riding gear

- Riding gear such as girth, bridle, reins, stirrups, head collars, leads and saddle leathers or synthetics in poor or damaged condition.

- Riding gear such as girth, bridle, reins, stirrups, head collars, leads and saddle leathers or synthetics in good serviceable condition.


TRACK RIDING SAFETY


Horse riding gear (continued)

Riding reins – damaged and worn.

Girth straps – damaged and worn.

- Riding a horse in a trial or gallop without race boots (with a heel) and safety irons.

Saddle and stirrup leathers in good condition with no tears or splits in the stirrup strap eyelets.

Riding reins have sufficient rubber tread to ensure satisfactory grip.

-Everysaddleusedintrials,testsortrackworkmust be equipped with safety irons and boots (with a heel) must be worn. In trials, if the rider wears race boots, the saddle must be equipped with race irons.

Safety irons used for track work.


TRACK RIDING SAFETY


Horse riding gear (continued)

-Useofstirrup safety devices. A variety is currently available on the market and should be considered where appropriate.

Refer to RWWA for further advice concerning the use of stirrup safety devices.

Track obstacles

- Track inspections are not undertaken prior to track work commencing.

- Hazardous obstacles or potential track hazards on or near the track have not been eliminated or appropriately controlled before commencing track work.

- Track inspection undertaken prior to commencing track work.

- Obstacles on or near the track which could pose a hazard to track riders have been identified, assessed for the level of risk and most importantly eliminated or controlled. Those obvious hazards such as items of plant or damaged rails are removed or repaired immediately.


TRACK RIDING SAFETY


Safe Track Work Policy

- No training track policy and procedure in place on how safe track work will be administered for:

• fastandslowtrackwork

• reversetrackwork

• accessandegressfromthetrainingtrackatthe‘gap’ to the main or inner ‘e.g. sand’ tracks, and

• othertrainingfacilityspecifictrackwork(e.g.wheregallop track work is undertaken in conjunction with other forms of training such as harness track work).

- Policy and procedures are in place and enforced at training tracks by training facility management for all types of approved track work.

A summary of training track policy and procedures should be clearly displayed at the ‘gap’ concerning approved track work.

-AlltrackridersmustberegisteredwithRWWA,besuitably trained and encouraged to attain relevant competencies from Certificate III in Racing (Thoroughbred) Track Rider.

Track and stable inductions

- Site specific training track inductions have not been provided by training facility management to:

• trainers

• trackriders,and

• stablehands

prior to training for the first time at the track.

- Site specific training track inductions have been undertaken by all track and stable users. Beside track orientation and rules of training, induction may include:

• anunderstandingoftrackandstablehazardsandassociated risks

• havingcontrolsinplaceatthetracktomanagerisk,including specific risk control solutions used and the overall system to manage safety while training at the track (such as policy and procedure), and

• knowledgeofthehazardandincidentreportingprocessused by the track.

Inadditiontotrackspecificinductions,RWWAnowhasaninduction guide available to assist in meeting OSH obligations.

Track facilities and amenities

- No appropriate facilities and amenities such as:

• Toilets,and

• accesstohotandcolddrinkingwater.

- Available facilities or amenities are in a poorly kept condition and unfit for use.

- Toilet, showers, change rooms and tea rooms are available (where appropriate) and accessible to all track users.

- All facilities and amenities are fit for use and regularly maintained.


TRACK RIDING SAFETY


Track first aid and emergency evacuation

- No first aid facilities and resources (including qualified first aid providers) available at the track for all track work.

- No track emergency and evacuation plan and procedure.

- No clearly marked emergency services entry points to the track.

- No communications available to the track supervisor(s).

- First aid facilities and resources available at the track. Ideally first aid resources, such as kits, should be located at the supervisor’s box and regularly inspected. Appropriate first aid facilities, such as a dedicated first aid room, should be available in a well maintained building close to the track.

- As a minimum, track supervisor(s) trained to deliver ‘first response’ first aid.

-Emergencyevacuationplanandprocedureclearly on display and understood by the track supervisor(s). Emergencyservicesadviceusedindeveloping emergency management and evacuation plans.

-Emergencyservicesaccesstothetrackisclearlyvisible.

- Appropriate communications, including mobile communications, should be available to the track supervisor(s).

Track supervision

- No track supervision provided during track work.

- Track supervision box (or boxes) not appropriately located to provide complete track visibility.

- No means of alerting track riders and others of a fall, loose horse or other track emergencies, such as sirens and high visibility flashing lights, etc.

- No incident reporting log.

- Training facility management not enforcing track riding rules, including safe riding and restricted riding policy and use of approved helmets and body protectors.

- Track supervision present at all training track sessions.

-Tracksupervisionpositionlocatednexttothecrossing/access point and in locations (if required) to provide complete visibility of the track.

Supervisor position located next to the crossing/access point. This position often provides the best location as monitoring and communicating to riders coming on and off the track is easier.


TRACK RIDING SAFETY


Track supervision

The supervisor box or viewing position is well elevated to provide appropriate visibility of the course.

- Track supervision box (or boxes) equipped with emergency siren and light systems.

Emergency siren and lighting devices provided at the supervisor box.

- Training facility management ensure that:

• approvedtrackridersarelicensedwithRWWA

• detailsofincidentsatthetrackarerecordedaccording to track procedure

• ridershaveapprovedhelmets,bodyprotectorsand othersafetyequipmentasrequiredbyRWWAandtrackmanagement, and

• trackriderscomplywithsafetrackridingpolicy.


WorkSafe Western Australia5thfloorWestCentre

1260HayStreet

WestPerthWA6005

Phone:(08)93278777

Fax:(08)93218973

Email:[email protected]

Internet: www.worksafe.wa.gov.au

Racing and Wagering Western Australia14HaslerRoad

OsborneParkWA6017

Phone:(08)94455333

Fax:(08)92445914

Email:[email protected]

Internet: www.rwwa.com.au

WorkSafe WA acknowledges WorkSafe Victoria for giving permission to reproduce this publication, and the assistance of Racing and Wagering Western Australia.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE

Worksafe

advisory serviceWestCentre

1260 Hay Street, West Perth WA 6005

PO Box 294 West Perth WA 6872

Infoline: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1300 307 877

Phone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . (08) 9327 8777

Facsimile: . . . . . . . . . . . (08) 9321 8973

National Relay Service: . . . . . 13 36 77

Email: . . . safety@commerce .wa .gov .au

Comprehensive work safety and health information can be found at: www .worksafe .wa .gov .au

This publication is available on request in other formats to assist people with special needs .

DP1598/2008/ May 2009 / Online only

Documents

Horse stables and track riding safety (West Australia edition) · horse stables and track riding safety West australia edition ... The horse racing industry is unique in that it possesses